LAPAROSCOPY VERSUS LAPAROTOMY - AN EXPERI MENTAL-STUDY COMPARING FORMATION OF ADHESIONS IN DOGS

We performed laparoscopy (n = 7) or laparotomy (n = 7) for exploration of the small intestine, cecal resection with Endo-GIA or TA-30, deser osation of 2 cm(2) of the abdominal wall and resection of the omentum majus in dogs. After 8 days all dogs were re-examined and the adhesion s were quantified by computer-aided measurement. Laparoscopic operatio ns were followed by significantly (P < 0.001) fewer adhesions. After c onventional operations extensive adhesions to the abdominal incision a nd interenteric adhesions were found, together with frequent conglomer ates of adhesions, intestinal kinkings or adhesive bands. identical ma nipulations, such as cecal resection or deserosation of the lateral ab dominal wall, led to the same frequency and severity of adhesions in b oth groups. Based on our results, the risk of adhesion-related complic ations may be reduced by the laparoscopic approach.